October 19th Fundraiser: The Art of Saving Elephants to Feature Dr. Iain Douglas-Hamilton and the African American Dance Ensemble

September 22, 2013

By Wildlife Conservation Network

DURHAM, N.C. – Sept. 6th, 2013

Following an introduction by NPR radio personality Eric Hodge, the charismatic Dr. Iain Douglas-Hamilton, legendary African elephant authority, will be the featured speaker at the highly anticipated fundraising event entitled “The Art of Saving Elephants” on October 19th at 7:00 p.m. at the Carolina Theater in Durham, N.C. Save the Elephants (STE) will partner with the African American Dance Ensemble (AADE) for an exciting evening of education and a dazzling African dance premiere. These groups are collaborating on this event because they recognize that both wildlife and the arts bring joy to humanity and yet are tragically underfunded. After Dr. Douglas-Hamilton’s speech and the AADE dance performance, Leland Little Auction and Estate Sales will conduct a live auction to benefit Save the Elephants. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the Carolina Theatre box office, by calling 919-560-3070 or at www.carolinatheatre.org.

Dr Iain Douglas-Hamilton

Save The Elephants was founded in 1993 by Dr. Iain Douglas-Hamilton. A behavioural scientist, Iain’s pioneering study of elephant society in Tanzania in the 1960s paved the way for elephant research and conservation today. After conducting a pan-African elephant census Iain alerted the world to the poaching crisis in the 1970s and 80s and helped bring about the world ivory trade ban in 1989. He is now at the centre of efforts to combat the current resurgence of the trade, presenting a solid scientific analysis of the situation to key decision-makers around the world. For more information, please visit www.savetheelephants.org.

Save The Elephants

Save the Elephants works to secure a future for elephants in a rapidly changing world. Pioneers in cutting-edge science, their research provides vital insights into elephant behaviour, intelligence, and long-distance movement. By understanding life from an elephant’s perspective, Save The Elephants (STE) is able to map out critical corridors that link up protected areas, better manage the conflict between humans and wildlife, enthuse people about elephant intelligence, and closely monitor incidents of illegal killing.

The greatest current threat to the long-term survival of elephants is an illegal ivory trade that is spiraling out of control, driven mostly by demand from China and the Far East. STE is urging NGO’s, governments, institutions, corporations, and concerned individuals to form a coalition to fight for a complete ban on ivory sales through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). In collaboration with WildAid, STE is at the forefront of efforts to raise awareness in China by using Chinese celebrities to focus attention on the elephants’ plight.

The African American Dance Ensemble

The African American Dance Ensemble (AADE) is dedicated to teaching African and African American dance and culture and to promoting good health and soundness of mind. With a motto of ‘peace, love and respect for everybody, the earth and our elders’ AADE is known for educating while entertaining and helping all to understand the synergy we share with the earth and our universe. To learn more, please go to www.africanamericandanceensemble.org.